Dickey was 20-6 with a 2.73 ERA last season, capping his rapid rise from the majors' scrap heap to an ace pitcher. He did it by perfecting a way to throw his floater faster than previous knuckleballers and tossing it with exceptional control.

"We clearly are convinced this can be a front-line starter for us," said Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos on a conference call Monday night.

"I don't think he gets the credit or the respect he deserves because of his age and because of what he does throw. And I understand because it's so rare.

"But there's so much overwhelming data and evidence that points to him continuing to have this success."

Dickey is set to become part of a stellar rotation that includes recently acquired Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle and returning starters Ricky Romero and Brandon Morrow.

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